Ravichandran Ashwin rejoins India in third Test

The spinner, who left the group after day two to attend a family emergency, is available for the remainder of the Test in Rajkot

Nick Howson | 18/02/2024 at 05:43

India's position of strength in the third Test against England has been enhanced by news Ravichandran Ashwin will rejoin the team on day four in Rajkot.

Ashwin, 37, left the match after day two "due to a family medical emergency" with no indication of whether he would return.

But after Kuldeep Yadav hinted that the spinner could be returning, the BCCI have confirmed India will have a full complement for the remainder of the Test.

"The team management, players, media and fans have shown immense understanding and empathy, acknowledging the importance of family as a priority," a statement read.

"The team and its supporters have stood united in support of Ashwin during this challenging period, and the management is delighted to welcome him back to the field.

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_{Ashwin celebrates his 500th Test wicket on day two (Gareth Copley/Getty Images)}

"Ashwin and his family kindly request privacy as they navigate through these challenging times."

Playing conditions allow Ashwin to return to bowl or bat at the earliest available opportunity, with no penalty needing to be served.

Law 23.3.2 states "in the opinion of the umpires, the player has been absent or has left the field for other wholly acceptable reasons, which shall not include illness or internal injury".

The absence of Ashwin, who made Zak Crawley his 500th Test victim prior to his withdrawal, made little difference to India on day three as they dismissed England for 319 in their first innings, giving the hosts a 126-run lead.

Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja took up the slack in the spin ranks with two wickets each, with seamers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj sharing five.

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